{"id":3067,"date":"2026-02-28T17:16:17","date_gmt":"2026-03-01T00:16:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.santacruzpet.com\/?p=3067"},"modified":"2026-02-28T17:16:37","modified_gmt":"2026-03-01T00:16:37","slug":"post-spay-care-recovery-timeline","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/beta13.technodreamcenter.com\/santacruzpet\/post-spay-care-recovery-timeline\/","title":{"rendered":"Post-Spay Care: 7-Day Recovery Timeline and What&#8217;s Normal vs. Concerning"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\">You&#8217;ve just brought your pet home after spaying surgery, and you&#8217;re wondering: Is that swelling normal? Should they be this sleepy? When should you call the vet? At <a class=\"underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current\/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current\" href=\"https:\/\/www.santacruzpet.com\/services\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic<\/a>, we perform hundreds of spay surgeries each year. This guide walks you through each day of recovery, helping you distinguish normal healing from warning signs requiring immediate attention.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\">Understanding Post-Spay Recovery<\/h3>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\">Spaying removes your pet&#8217;s ovaries and uterus through an abdominal incision. <strong>This is major surgery<\/strong> requiring 10-14 days of careful recovery. Your pet&#8217;s care during the first week determines whether healing goes smoothly or complications develop.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\">Day 1: First 24 Hours After Surgery<\/h3>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"><strong>What&#8217;s Normal:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Grogginess and disorientation from anesthesia<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Reduced appetite or mild nausea<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">One or two vomiting episodes<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Shivering or mild trembling<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Whining or restlessness (dysphoria syndrome)<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Reluctance to move much<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"><strong>Essential Care:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Create a quiet, warm recovery space<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Offer small amounts of water frequently<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Try 1\/4 normal food portion in the evening<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Keep the E-collar (cone) on at all times<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Administer pain medication as prescribed<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Allow rest but encourage brief, gentle movement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"><strong>Call Your Vet If:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Excessive bleeding from the incision<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Extreme lethargy (can&#8217;t be roused)<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Temperature above 103.5\u00b0F or below 100\u00b0F<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">No urination within 12 hours<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Violent or repeated vomiting (3+ times)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\">Day 2-3: Early Recovery Phase<\/h3>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"><strong>What&#8217;s Normal:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Improved alertness and appetite<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Mild lethargy and extra sleep<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Minor swelling or bruising near the incision<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Slight pink coloration at the incision line<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Stiffness after resting<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"><strong>Essential Care:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Continue strict activity restriction\u2014no jumping, running, or stairs<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Maintain E-collar use 24\/7<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Check incision morning and evening<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Keep confined to a small room\/crate when unsupervised<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Short leashed potty breaks (5-10 minutes max for dogs)<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Keep cats indoors with limited vertical access<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"><strong>Call Your Vet If:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Swelling increases rather than decreases<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Any discharge from the incision (clear, cloudy, or bloody)<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Incision edges separating or gaping<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Hot skin around the surgical site<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Foul odor from the incision<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Continued appetite loss into Day 3<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\">Day 4-5: Mid-Recovery Milestone<\/h3>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"><strong>What&#8217;s Normal:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Return to normal personality<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Normal eating and drinking<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Active desire to play (but don&#8217;t allow it!)<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Reduced pain response<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Attempts to lick or scratch at the incision<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"><strong>Essential Care:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"><strong>Maintain strict limits despite improvement<\/strong>\u2014this is when complications often occur<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Continue crate rest when unsupervised<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Incision should look drier and less inflamed daily<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Begin gentle 10-15 minute leashed walks if vet approves<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Provide mental stimulation through puzzle toys<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"><strong>Call Your Vet If:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">New swelling, redness, or heat at the incision<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Incision opens even slightly<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Persistent limping<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Return of lethargy after improvement<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Excessive licking if the E-collar is removed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\">Day 6-7: Late First-Week Recovery<\/h3>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"><strong>What&#8217;s Normal:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Nearly normal behavior and energy<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Visible incision healing\u2014dry, edges closed<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Normal appetite, urination, defecation<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Decreased need for pain medication<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Frustration with continued restrictions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"><strong>Essential Care:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Continue activity restrictions through Day 10 minimum<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">E-collar stays on through at least Day 10-14<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">May slightly increase walk duration (15-20 min) with approval<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Begin planning recheck appointment if required<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"><strong>Call Your Vet If:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Any worsening in the incision appearance<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">New swelling or drainage after days of improvement<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Sudden lethargy or appetite loss<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\">What Normal Healing Looks Like<\/h3>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"><strong>Days 0-1:<\/strong> Clean incision line with possible sutures\/glue, slight pink coloration, no drainage<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"><strong>Days 2-4:<\/strong> Minor bruising (purple\/yellow-green), small firm swelling at incision site, no spreading redness, dry surface<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"><strong>Days 5-7:<\/strong> Reduced swelling\/bruising, redness fading, incision less noticeable, edges firmly sealed<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"><strong>Days 8-14:<\/strong> Minimal swelling, normal skin color, scabs falling off naturally, fur regrowing<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\">Warning Signs of Complications<\/h3>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"><strong>Always call your vet immediately if you see:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"><strong>Incision Issues:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Excessive swelling (hot, soft, fluid-filled)<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Any discharge\u2014pus, blood, or clear fluid<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Foul odor from the surgical site<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Incision separation or visible tissue<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Spreading redness beyond the incision line<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"><strong>Behavioral Changes:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Fever above 103.5\u00b0F<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Vomiting\/diarrhea lasting 24+ hours<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Complete appetite loss for 24+ hours<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Extreme lethargy<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Labored breathing or pale gums<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Inability to urinate\/defecate<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"><strong>Pain Indicators:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Persistent whining despite medication<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Aggressive behavior near the incision<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Hunched posture, reluctance to move<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Rapid, shallow breathing at rest<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\">Contact <a class=\"underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current\/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current\" href=\"https:\/\/www.santacruzpet.com\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic<\/a> at (520) 889-9643 immediately if you notice these symptoms.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\">The E-Collar: Essential Protection<\/h3>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\">The Elizabethan collar is the single most effective way to prevent complications. <strong>Licking is the #1 cause of infections and incision reopening.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"><strong>Guidelines:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Must extend 2 inches past your pet&#8217;s nose<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Keep on 24\/7 for at least 10 days<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Most pets adapt within 24-48 hours<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Can eat, drink, and navigate with it on<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Alternatives: soft inflatable collars or recovery suits (less reliable)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\">Activity Restriction: Why Rest Matters<\/h3>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\">While external incisions may look healed by Day 7, <strong>internal healing takes 4-5 weeks<\/strong>. Jumping or running during Days 1-14 can tear internal sutures, reopen incisions, or cause life-threatening bleeding.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"><strong>Days 1-7:<\/strong> Crate rest, no jumping\/climbing, short leashed walks only (5-10 min), no stairs, separate from other pets<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"><strong>Days 8-10:<\/strong> Slightly longer walks (15-20 min), still no furniture jumping, no rough play<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"><strong>Days 11-14:<\/strong> Gradual return to normal activity with vet approval only<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\">Medication and Pain Management<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Give pain medication as prescribed, even if the pet seems comfortable<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"><strong>Never give human medications<\/strong> (Tylenol, Advil)\u2014they&#8217;re toxic to pets<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Complete the full antibiotic course if prescribed<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Set phone alarms for consistent timing<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\">Hide pills in pill pockets or cheese<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\">Special Considerations for Tucson Pets<\/h3>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"><strong>Temperature:<\/strong> Avoid outdoor time during peak heat (10 AM-5 PM). Early-morning or evening potty breaks only.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"><strong>Dust exposure:<\/strong> Keep recovering pets indoors in clean areas to prevent irritation of incisions.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"><strong>Monsoon season:<\/strong> Limit outdoor exposure during storms; thunder anxiety can compromise healing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"><strong>Wildlife safety:<\/strong> Keep pets contained indoors to prevent encounters with rattlesnakes, scorpions, or coyotes.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"text-text-100 mt-2 -mb-1 text-base font-bold\">The Bottom Line<\/h3>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\">Post-spay recovery requires diligence during the first 7-10 days, but <strong>most complications are preventable<\/strong> with proper care. Remember the three pillars of success:<\/p>\n<ol class=\"[li_&amp;]:mb-0 [li_&amp;]:mt-1 [li_&amp;]:gap-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-decimal flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3\">\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"><strong>Activity restriction<\/strong> (even when they seem fine)<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"><strong>E-collar compliance<\/strong> (yes, keep it on)<\/li>\n<li class=\"whitespace-normal break-words pl-2\"><strong>Daily incision monitoring<\/strong> (without obsessing)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"><strong>Questions about recovery?<\/strong> Contact Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic at (520) 889-9643. Need to schedule <a class=\"underline underline underline-offset-2 decoration-1 decoration-current\/40 hover:decoration-current focus:decoration-current\" href=\"https:\/\/www.santacruzpet.com\/services\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">spay surgery<\/a>? We offer affordable options, including\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.santacruzpet.com\/asavet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Asavet Charities,<\/a> for qualifying Tucson families.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You&#8217;ve just brought your pet home after spaying surgery, and you&#8217;re wondering: Is that swelling normal? Should they be this sleepy? When should you call the vet? At Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic, we perform hundreds of spay surgeries each year. This guide walks you through each day of recovery, helping you distinguish normal healing from [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":3068,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3067","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-spay-and-neuter"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/beta13.technodreamcenter.com\/santacruzpet\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3067","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/beta13.technodreamcenter.com\/santacruzpet\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/beta13.technodreamcenter.com\/santacruzpet\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beta13.technodreamcenter.com\/santacruzpet\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beta13.technodreamcenter.com\/santacruzpet\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3067"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/beta13.technodreamcenter.com\/santacruzpet\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3067\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beta13.technodreamcenter.com\/santacruzpet\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3068"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/beta13.technodreamcenter.com\/santacruzpet\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3067"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beta13.technodreamcenter.com\/santacruzpet\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3067"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beta13.technodreamcenter.com\/santacruzpet\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3067"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}